Cork Area Commuter Rail

The Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) programme is a key part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040, developed by the National Transport Authority in partnership with Cork City and County Councils and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. This transformative investment will enhance the heavy rail network across the region, connecting Mallow, Cork, Cobh, and Midleton, with increased train capacity, frequency, and new stations.

The Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) programme supports a more sustainable, low-carbon transport system by encouraging a shift from private car use to public transport. Key elements include rail electrification, re-signalling, new stations, and Park and Ride facilities contributing to a more connected, efficient, and climate-resilient Cork.

The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is being progressed through a number of separate but interrelated projects which will be delivered in specific work packages.

The Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme is being delivered through a series of interrelated projects, organised into specific work packages.

Delivery in Phases

Phase 1

Phase 1 includes the delivery of the Kent Station Through Platform, twin tracking between Glounthaune and Midleton, and a comprehensive upgrade of signalling and communications systems.

• Kent Station Through Platform
• Signalling and Communications Upgrade
• Glounthaune to Midleton Twin Track

Phase 2

Phase 2 focuses on proposals for eight new stations, three station upgrades, a new depot, and full electrification of the Cork rail network. This phase is the subject of the current public consultation.

This is the first public consultation on the Emerging Preferred Option for Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) Programme.

This is more than a rail upgrade. It’s about creating a cleaner, greener, better-connected Cork for the future - supporting communities, cutting emissions, and boosting accessibility across the region.

The CACR will deliver a high-frequency, electrified rail system—targeting service every 10 minutes - connecting Cork’s communities with a fast, sustainable, integrated transport network.

• Key Elements of Phase 2
• How the Emerging Preferred Option was identified
• Public Consultation Material
• How to Engage
• Next Steps
• FAQs

CACR Network Map

Key Elements of Phase 2

• Eight new stations for Cork including Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock
• Electrification of the Cork rail network to support a new electric train fleet, reduce congestion and cut transport carbon emissions
• A new depot will support the maintenance of the new electric fleet
• Two strategic Park and Rides at Blarney/Stoneview and Dunkettle which will streamline connections from surrounding areas
• Station upgrades to Mallow, Midleton and Cobh to ensure improved accessibility and provide for expected future capacity increases at these three key stations
• Better connections supporting more integrated transport options, including Park and Ride facilities, bus services, cycleways and Cork’s future light rail (LUAS)

How the Emerging Preferred Option was identified

We explored many different options for improving Cork’s rail network. To help identify the best solution, we used a Multi-Criteria Analysis, a structured process that compares options based on key factors like transport benefits, environment, cost, and community impact.

As a result of this process, we’ve identified an Emerging Preferred Option. the plan that best meets Cork’s future rail needs.

This is the first public consultation, and your feedback is important. Now is your chance to have your say and help shape the project before it moves to the next stage.

Public Consultation Materials

• Information Leaflet
• CACR-Broisiur.pdf
• Cork Area Commuter Rail Project Report
• Cork Area Commuter Rail Phase 2 Option Selection Report (including appendices)
• Depot Option Selection Report (OSR) - include. OSR for CAF to TAF (Common Appraisal Framework to Transport Appraisal Framework)
• End to End Drawings - Glounthaune to Midleton.pdf
• End to End Drawings Cork to Cobh
• End to End Drawings Mallow to Cork Part 1
• End to End Drawings Mallow to Cork Part 2
• Emerging Preferred Options
• Key Environmental Constraints (Biodiversity)
• Key Hydrological Constraints
• Key Cultural Heritage Constraints
• Land Use Zoning

How to Engage

We welcome your views on the proposed project plans and encourage you to share your local knowledge. Your feedback will help shape the emerging design, improve the scheme, and ensure it benefits you and the communities it serves.

The consultation period is now open until the Wednesday 23rdbJuly.

In person events will be held at the following:

Please provide your feedback by completing the feedback form Feedback Form

You can contact the project team through the following channels:

Website: www.irishrail.ie/CACR

Email: CACR@irishrail.ie

Phone: 087 673 3387*

*Our phone line is open 24 hours a day. If you leave a message, we'll aim to return your call between 9:30am and 5pm the next working day.

Postal Address: If you would prefer to write to us, please send it or any correspondence to:

CACR Community,

Liaison Officer,

Iarnród Éireann,

1 Horgan’s Quay,

Waterfront Square,

Cork. T23 PPT8

Next Steps

The public will be kept informed as the Programme progresses through each stage. Everyone is invited to provide feedback and ensure that local knowledge and insights are reflected in the final design and service delivery.

Further studies, assessments, and consultations will lead to the identification of the Preferred Option, which will be presented at a second Non-Statutory Public Consultation later in 2025 where you can participate further in the decision-making process.

Following the second Non-Statutory Public Consultation we will prepare a Railway Order Application that will incorporate the feedback from both Public Consultants.

Once the Railway Order Application is submitted there will be a statutory consultation period run by An Bord Pleanála where the public will be invited, via public notices, to make submissions, directly to An Bord Pleanála which the Bord will consider in its decision-making process

FAQs